City Hall Spotlight

May 10, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Anthony T. Davis

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? Where did you grow up?

I live on the West Bank in the Wood Stone conclave of Tall Timbers. I grew up in Sylvester, Georgia.

Describe your job to us!

 As the Director for the Department of Code Enforcement, I manage over 55 City employees and contractors. I am also responsible for the administration of personnel and exercises informal oversight of paralegals and lawyers detailed to the Department from the Law Department. My work includes managerial tasks, supervision of Departmental personnel, coordination with other City Departments and external stakeholders and the development of policy and operations in the enforcement of minimum property maintenance, blight/nuisance laws, and other regulations.  

Tell us about your career path.

I am a Retired United States Marine Corps Veteran whereby, I served from 1988 to 2008. I worked in every element of the Marine Air-Ground Force (MAGTF). In addition to participating in various exercises and operations, I attended a multifarious amount of resident and non-resident military schools over my career. During these two decades, I served in the Platoon-level, Company, Squadron, Battalion and Force Level Commands. After military retirement, I remained in the service of the Department of Defense by serving the United States Marine Corps Reserve as Federal Civil Servant. Initially, as the Training and Education Program Manager and ultimately as the Deputy Branch Head, Training and Readiness Branch. As the Deputy Branch Head, Training and Readiness, Marine Forces Reserve G-3/5, New Orleans, LA., he led and planned all strategic action supporting the training and readiness of Marine Forces Reserve. Performed management and supervision of over 25+ plus personnel assigned to four departments responsible for developing and executing training plans and CONUS-based exercises; readiness reporting; ground training, formal schools; and oversight of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) training that enabled Commander, Marine Forces Reserve to provide trained and ready forces to augment and reinforce the Active Component Marine Corps across the full spectrum of crisis and conflict. I hold an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from the University of New Orleans. From 2014 through 2015, I earned Certificates in Project Management from Villanova University and Executive Leadership from Cornell University. In 2017, I graduated from the yearlong Executive Potential Program at Graduate School USA in Washington, D.C. I have also co-authored two publications and has received many awards and accolades from the Marine Corps, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

A. Wholeheartedly serving the citizens of New Orleans. B. Being given the opportunity to make a positive difference. C. Helping to move this City forward.

What challenges do you find to the greatest in your role?

The work is great with a varied level of complexity and since we just became a Department on 1 January of 2024, making the Department viable over the long-term is the greatest challenge.

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

No one thing and I love the City in its entirety. From the culture, the people, the food, the entertainment, etc.

April 5, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Thomas J. Ecker

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up?

I live in Mid-City and my family is from New Orleans.

Describe your job to us!

I perform employee in-reach and my focus is on employee benefits while acting as a bridge between their expectations and outside agencies/vendors.  Before this I performed homeless outreach and helped navigate people to the programs and services that best match their needs. 

Tell us about your career path.

My career path always involved working with the public, and I am enjoying working for the benefit of others.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

I am expected to meet needs and expectations whenever they develop.  My skillset requires anticipation, communication, coordination, cooperation, and follow-through.  I carry this over to my involvement with community organizations, as I take active leadership roles in the Mid-City Neighborhood Organization (MCNO), Rotary Club of Mid-City New Orleans, and the 1^st District Police Community Advisory Board (PCAB).

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?

Interpersonal communication is the most challenging.  There is a solution to every problem.  Therefore, I need to be able to assess and respond to strengths and weaknesses in every situation, and this includes varying personality profiles. 

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

Being from, and a part of, one of the most unique and culturally significant places in the world.  New Orleanians, and South Louisianians in general, are lucky to share in something that transcends beyond surface level cultural touchstones, such as food and music.  It has a rhythm, to be sure, which acts as a cadence to the creative spirit that everyone is welcomed to become a part of.  The proof is the social/marching clubs, the Carnival krewes, the costumes and tomfoolery of locals in celebration, etc.  Not many places have all of what we take for granted.

March 11, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: LaNitrah Hasan

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up? 

I am a lifelong resident of New Orleans and a proud resident of the Hollygrove neighborhood.

Describe your job to us!  

Currently, I wear two hats. I am both the Director for the Project Delivery Unit and the Chief of Staff for the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Infrastructure (DCAO), Joseph Threat, Sr. As the PDU Director, I lead a Team of nearly 50 professionals. Our department assists with administration of both capital and emergency recovery projects through the procurement and management of federal grants and bond funding to improve the quality of life for the residents of New Orleans. As the Chief of Staff for Infrastructure, my role is to further the mission and vision of the DCAO based on any initiatives or priorities he has established for the 9 departments within his purview which are the 1.) Department of Public Works (DPW), 2.) Capital Project Administration (CPA), 3.) Department of Property Management (DPM), 4.) Sanitation, 5.) Parks & Parkways, 6.) Office of Resilience and Sustainability (ORS), 7.) Stormwater & Green Infrastructure, (SGI), 8.) Project Delivery Unit (PDU), and 9.) RoadworkNola.

 

Tell us about your career path. 

I started my career in the private sector as a management consultant and project manager. I worked for a firm for nearly 10 years where I would travel to other organizations throughout the US and Canada to understand what their goals were, then then I'd work with all levels of their management structure to identify their operational deficiencies. Those areas of improvement were often opportunities to help the company realize its goals. I learned so much in that role about myself, how to work with people, and how to be both results and solution oriented professionally. About a year and a half after Katrina, I decided to work locally because I thought my skillset could assist with Katrina recovery in the place I loved the most, home. I was hired by a disaster recovery firm who was working on a FEMA Individual Assistance program here in New Orleans. I later spent a couple years work along the Mississippi Gulf Coast helping develop a program which assisted Mississippi residents purchase cottage units that were issued by the State and FEMA. In late 2010, I was approached by my former manager from the FEMA IA project to return to New Orleans for a project working with the City's Bureau of Finance. I worked as a consultant for the City from January 2011 until September 2012 specifically focused on grants, when a group of us was offered full-time positions with the City. 

Since 2012, I have held a few different positions with the City. I've been a Management Consultant to the Bureau of Finance, the Federal Grants Manager overseeing all initiatives with FEMA for the City's Public Assistance grants program, the Director of Federal Grants which expanded my scope to the management of all the new grants the City was applying for through Cares Act, ARPA, Treasury, Dept of Energy, etc. All of those experiences prepared me for the 2 hats I wear today.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most? 

I love my Team and how they are always laser focused on the mission. We are always looking for ways to make ourselves better, which will in turn provide better service for the departments we serve. Though we primarily work on grant and bond funded projects, sometimes we get called on for special projects to assist other departments. The special projects keep things interesting and provide growth opportunities. I really love that my team loves to assist whenever and where ever asked.

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role? 

In my Chief of Staff role, I can see all the competing priorities the Operations departments have, which presents the greatest challenge. Each and every director and team member has a strong desire to provide the absolute best service to the residents of this City; however, sometimes we have more needs than resources and that's really hard. 

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans? 

The people and the culture here are unmatched. I've been a lot of places, but nothing beats the energy in New Orleans.

February 19, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Courtney Story

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up?

We bought a home in Gentilly Terrace in 2020, but I’ve lived all over the City in the almost 19 years I’ve lived here. I’m originally from Monroe, Michigan which is a small suburb between Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Toledo, Ohio.

Describe your job to us!

I am the Director of Administration and Planning for the Chief Administrative Office. In this role I wear a lot of hats, but my work mainly focuses on supporting the Chief Administrative Officer in planning and executing priority projects as well as carrying out the administrative functions of our office. I also oversee the American Rescue Plan Act Implementation Team.

Tell us about your career path.

After I graduated from Tulane in 2009, I joined Teach For America and taught 9^th grade algebra for 2 years at L.W. Higgins High School in Marrero, LA. After that, I moved to Atlanta to teach 9^th grade math for Atlanta Public Schools. I missed New Orleans too much and moved back shortly after to support data and operations at both ReNEW and FirstLine before joining the Louisiana Department of Education in 2014 as an Education Pioneers Data Analyst Fellow. After 2 years at LDOE I returned to Tulane to get my Masters in Public Health in Disaster Management. I graduated with my Masters in May of 2018 and joined the City that fall as an Innovation Manager. I transitioned to my current role in February 2022.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

In my role I have the opportunity to work with colleagues from Departments and Agencies across the City. I enjoy getting to know and work with so many different people who are doing truly transformational things for the City. We have some of the most dedicated and hard-working employees and I am lucky to work with them every day.

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?

One of the biggest challenges in my role is that we are usually working on very tight deadlines. I often must stop what I am working on and pivot to something completely different to “put out fires.”

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

My favorite thing about New Orleans is … everything! The community, the music, the food, the events – this City is one of a kind and I feel so fortunate that my kids get to grow up experiencing everything New Orleans has to offer.

 

January 12, 2024 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Justyn Hawkins

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up?

I currently live in Algiers District C. My upbringing spans various New Orleans neighborhoods, including the 9th Ward, New Orleans East, Algiers, and Gentilly.

Describe your job to us!

Currently, in my capacity as the Deputy Council Chief of Staff, my role assists the City Council Chief of Staff in the day-to-day operations of the council’s central staff. This can range from writing and reviewing policy and reviewing contracts to assisting the 7 council offices with their requests.

Tell us about your career path.

I began my government career as an intern in the Louisiana House District 99 office under then-Representative Wesley Bishop. When he transitioned to Sen. Dis 4, I moved to a different role. Subsequently, I joined city government as the District D liaison in Mayor Mitch Landrieu's Neighborhood Engagement Office. After Mayor Landrieu's second term, I moved over to the City Council District D office. Later, I returned to the Mayor's Neighborhood Engagement Office under Mayor LaToya Cantrell and served as the Deputy Director of the department. 

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

I find immense satisfaction in the problem-solving aspects of my job. Each day presents a fresh challenge that allows me to apply my skills and creativity. I particularly enjoy the dynamic nature of problem-solving, as it keeps me engaged and encourages continuous learning. It's fulfilling to contribute to overcoming obstacles and finding innovative solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of my work.

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?

One of the challenges I encounter in my role is the intricate task of understanding the unique dynamics within each council office. Each office operates distinctively, with varying strengths and office cultures. This complexity extends to managing diverse personnel and personalities, ensuring that I allocate sufficient time and attention to meet the individual needs of my colleagues. Juggling interactions with seven different offices, each with its specific functions, adds an extra layer of intricacy to the role.

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

My absolute favorite aspect of New Orleans is the unique combination of its vibrant people, rich culture, and of course the food. I’ve lived in and visited many different cities across the country, but the authenticity and warmth found within the community is hard to find elsewhere.

December 13, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Wilneicha Videau

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up?

I currently reside in Uptown New Orleans. I grew up in Atlanta, Ga after Hurricane Katrina then realized I wanted to experience my home town culture, so I made the decision to move back to New Orleans. 

Describe your job to us!

I currently work in Roadwork as the Resilience Outreach Specialist focusing on the Gentilly Resilience District. Part of my job duties include being aware of all things Green Infrastructure in the city, strategizing flood reduction ideas, keeping residents informed, meeting with project managers and contractors and many other duties to help move along the National Disaster Resilience Program in ways to better help residents and their communities. I work with the Green Infrastructure in the city of New Orleans which is more so the "beautification projects". Not only do the Green infrastructure projects add trees, flowers, ball parks, and playgrounds, this form of infrastructure assist with reducing flooding in the city by inputting water tanks underground. This alleviates pressure off the water pumps during flood season. 

Tell us about your career path.

Graduating with a Political Science degree, I always had  passion for politics and Law. Wanting to help underdeveloped countries, my focus was more so on the international affairs sector. After graduating I knew it was best to become knowledgeable in many political sectors not just one. I worked on several different campaigns and grasped as much information as I could to move forward in my career. Challenging myself, I started my career in Law, in which I worked in three major Atlanta Law Firms and found a great liking to the techniques of Law. I decided to move back into the political realm once I moved back to New Orleans in which I was challenged to better my understanding and professionalism as I grow in the political realm. All in all I understand my career purpose is to help individuals in many different ways, In knowing so I understand the work ethic that comes with that.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

What I enjoy most about my job is being able to see the before, during, and after construction process. Knowing that an impact is being made to the city in regards to roads being fixed, pumps being cleared out, and beautification is being added. To know that some residents live in the same house since they were little kids and the roads and or greenery has been the same, to now major changes and constructions are being done. Also, that green infrastructure is being looked at as an importance to help reduce flooding in the city of New Orleans.

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?

Certain challenges faced in my current role are issues such as not being able to provide results to residents when it comes to completion of construction projects due to delays in schedules and or funding issues. I am a hands on and visual worker so I enjoy solving issues for residents and physically seeing the impact. In this role we aren't able to just jump out and start beautification projects without certain policies and procedures, and sometimes that can take months, even years. Having to constantly tell residents a project is coming to the area but not knowing exactly when is very challenging. 

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

My favorite thing about New Orleans is the hospitality. I've traveled to many places in my life but there is no other place like New Orleans

December 13, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Henry Walther

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up?

I currently live in Mid-City near Bayou St. John. I grew up in Lexington, Kentucky and moved to New Orleans seven years ago.

Describe your job to us!

I recently joined the Office of Community Assets and Investments (OCAI) as the Policy and Data Analyst. OCAI develops strategies to put public assets, such as City-owned land, into productive use, as well as a policy shop for housing and land use issues. We are a three-person office, so it’s a very collaborative atmosphere. My role focuses more on policy than the redevelopment of city-owned land. Day-to-day, this means I’m often writing policy memos, researching best practices from other cities, and convening stakeholders in the housing and zoning world.

Tell us about your career path.

My first job with the City was as a Neighborhood Liaison in the Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office, which I joined in August 2021. Before NEO, I worked in the campaign world in Louisiana and with an affordable housing think tank. I started with NEO just a few weeks before Hurricane Ida hit. Dealing with the aftermath of the storm was quite the learning experience. I was the liaison for District A, an area of New Orleans where I previously lived. I loved interacting with the community and learning the basics of City government. Some past NEO employees have called the office “NEO University,” given how wide of a knowledge base you develop in the position. In the summer of 2022, I transitioned into the position of Director of Special Projects at NEO, where I took over the Neighborhood Cares Initiative program and the digital team. I’m very proud of how our team expanded NCI into a signature event in the office, and I’m excited to see how it continues to develop over time. During my nearly two-and-a-half years at NEO, I also had the opportunity to support various housing agencies and offices around the City. This included organizing a Day of Service at the City’s Low Barrier Homeless Shelter and assisting with engagement during consideration of Accessory Dwelling Units and during the Master Plan Amendment process.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

So far, I’d say policy research! I’ve followed the housing and zoning worlds for years as a spectator, but I now get to put this understanding into action. The affordable housing crisis is nationwide, and cities around the country are experimenting with innovative solutions to address it. I feel lucky to be in a position where I’m afforded the space to learn from them and serve the people of New Orleans.

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?

Since I’m only in my second month at OCAI, I’m still learning a lot! The greatest challenge is likely understanding how different levels of government all impact affordable housing. The list of stakeholders, funders, and administrators is vast, and everyone seems to have a long acronym. But learning how everyone works together towards common goals has been fascinating.

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

Where to even start! The people are what make the city special. I’m not from here, and I’ll never pretend to be a native New Orleanian, but I love supporting the local culture as best as I can. I’ve just learned so much from New Orleans and its people. I think an underappreciated aspect of New Orleans are its nature and green spaces. I travel along the Lafitte Greenway and Bayou St. John every day, and I love taking in the natural beauty. Some of my favorite places in the city are outside of the urban core. I particularly love Bayou Sauvage in the East and the Audubon Wilderness Park in Algiers. I’d encourage everyone to make the trip (they’re not even that far!) out to both if you haven’t already!

November 10, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Richard James

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Baton Rouge and I currently live in New Orleans East.

 

Describe your job to us!

I work as a laborer for the Department of Sanitation driving trucks, picking up litter, and doing anything else that needs to be done. One of the main responsibilities of my job is delivering the blue recycling cans to residents.

 

Tell us about your career path.

I started working for the Department of Sanitation in 2022 from the CEO Works Program. I had previously been in prison for 25 years. I’m focused on staying grounded and motivated in cleaning up the neighborhood and helping people. Mr. Matt Tori, Ms. Shavett Joseph, and Mr. Raymond Toefield have pushed me to be great and encouraged me to go higher and higher.

 

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

To be honest, I enjoy all of it. I enjoy being someone that is dependable, responsible, and true to his word.

 

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?

The greatest challenge would be adapting to the job after being in prison.

 

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

My favorite thing about New Orleans is the food, and especially seafood.

November 10, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Kenyatta Collins

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up?

I currently live in Council District D, 7th Ward. I was born and raised in the 3rd ward of New Orleans, Mid City, to be specific.

Describe your job to us!

As the Director of Federal Relations for the Mayor’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations, I am responsible for contributing to the strategic planning and execution of the City’s federal legislative and regulatory priorities. This includes leading and overseeing the legislative and regulatory portfolio at the federal level for all City departments and agencies, the Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY), the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), and the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans (SWBNO).

Tell us about your career path.

My career path began as early as 16 years old when I became a published author in Time Magazine. After receiving notoriety for my publication, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver invited me to the 44th Annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., where I attended as a guest speaker for an education forum. After graduating from my senior high school as Valedictorian and receiving over half of $1 million worth of scholarship offers; I further pursued my education at Louisiana State University, where I graduated within 3 years. Following graduation, I moved to Washington, D.C. to begin my internship as a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Emerging Leader. Upon completion of my internship, I was offered a full-time position at the age of 21 years old by the late and Honorable Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, then Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Reform, where I served as his Staff Assistant. My career on Capitol Hill continued as I became a Staff/Legislative Assistant for the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, led by then chairman, the Honorable Congressman Bennie G. Thompson. There, I received my Top Secret Security Clearance and was shortly promoted to Clerk for the Subcommittee on Emergency, Preparedness, Recovery, and Response. In 2021, after teleworking for a year during the pandemic, I decided to return home to New Orleans and work for the administration of Mayor LaToya Cantrell. I became a District E Liaison for the Mayor’s Neighborhood Engagement Office. In 2022, I began working for the Chief Administrative Office (CAO) as an Innovation Analyst. And now year 2023, I am currently serving as the Mayor’s Director of Federal Relations.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

What I enjoy the most about my job is being able to utilize my network and experience I’ve gained while working on Capitol Hill to build coalitions and expand relationships with key decision-makers, policymakers, and elected officials within every level of government, for the betterment of my beloved City of New Orleans.

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?

There are no challenges within my role great enough worth mentioning. I love what I do and do what I love.

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

I’ve traveled to many cities, states, countries, and continents, and still there’s no place like it. My favorite thing about New Orleans is its uniqueness, and rich culture created for and by natives like myself.

September 11, 2023 | From City of New Orleans

City Hall Spotlight: Darren Walker

What New Orleans neighborhood do you live in? / Where did you grow up? 

I, Darren Walker, live in uptown New Orleans in the 13th ward. I was born and raised in the Desire housing development and graduated from George Washington Carver High School and attended Southern University of New Olreans.

Describe your job to us!

I am the Department of Public Works Supervisor of the Traffic Division, responsibilities which includes planning, coordinating, and maintenance of all City Signs, and Street Name Signs for permanent locations as well as Temporary Cardboard Signs. This is done with 6 team members also responsible for special events in the City of New Orleans such as: New Years Eve, Mardi Gras, French Quarter Festival, Jazz Fest, Satchmo Fest, Bayou Classic, Saints Games and other special events in the city.

Tell us about your career path.

I started working with The Department of Public Works on Jan 28th, 1998 as a laborer. In the year 2000 I became a Sign Technician. By the year of 2010, I became a Field Supervisor, and by the year 2015, Ibecame  the Workshop Supervisor. I’ve been working with the city for 25 plus years from the beginning until current, I've  been with The Department of Public Works.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

The Planning and Implementing work assignments with my Team.

What challenges do you find to be the greatest in your role?

Try to always ensure we are delivering the highest quality of service to the citizens of New Orleans as well as performing them in a very professional manner.

What is your favorite thing about New Orleans?

The Food, The People and The New Orleans Saints “Who Dat Nation."